Permaculture Design

Permaculture is an ecological design process – we are learning from nature.

Design methods are used in conjunction with permaculture principles and ethics to create an overall pattern or plan of action. A good design helps us to make best use of the available resources and create a more productive system, that meets more of our needs and creates less pollution.

Permaculture books may refer to a ”client”, which can suggest that permaculture design is just for ”professional designers”. That is not the case. You can use the permaculture methods and processes listed below for your own project – small or large – and you can act as your own client. People have used the client interview for example for their own family house and garden and found it useful, and even surprising!

There are a wide range of design processes and methods available. Some require practice and training, others are self-explanatory, and easily used by a beginner. It is worth remembering that we all have some design experience – it’s part of being human. Hopefully this section will help you to develop your skills, and become a more conscious and confident designer, able to use your skills to change the world – for the better!

Permaculture design methods and tools can be clustered into the following areas: